2019 Was my second year displaying part of my collection in the “NQMRC HALL” at the Townsville Show. Last year I focused on a selection of jet era helmets ranging from the 50’s through to the 80’s, plus one full size 70’s era USAF pilot and a cabinet dedicated to various
WWII aviation related items. With this year’s display I tried to stick to a very specific area; that being WWII US Air Force & US Naval Aviation in the Pacific. It was the first time that I am aware that any aircraft instrument panels have been displayed at the Townsville Show, so considering I had recently finished my P-38F “Lightning” panel project and my F6F-3 “Hellcat” project I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to do so. It showcased two of the most dangerous fighters from both the US Air Force and the US Navy, as well as displaying various items that corresponded with both of those military forces.
I had a very good response from the public. Some people were very interested (especially some of the older males over the age of 60) in how the panels were put together, how I acquired the parts and whether it was privately owned or part of a museum collection here in Townsville.
My goal is to try change it up a bit at each event to keep it fresh and new, with different items always being displayed even though some of the same instrument panels might make it to various shows in a row.
My next public appearance will be at the 11th Annual Mareeba Military Muster August 10th & 11th at the Mareeba Turf Club. Hope to see you there, as it will be a great weekend to socialise, learn and trade/buy/sell.
